Oscar Wilde Flashcards

1
Q

What is Oscar Wilde’s most famous novel?

A

Oscar Wilde’s most famous novel is “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” Published in 1890, it tells the story of a young man named Dorian Gray who remains eternally youthful while a portrait of him ages and bears the marks of his moral corruption. The novel explores themes of vanity, decadence, and the pursuit of beauty.

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2
Q

Which of Wilde’s plays is a satire of Victorian society?

A

“The Importance of Being Earnest” is Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated play and a biting satire of Victorian social conventions and hypocrisies. Written in 1894, the play employs wit, farce, and mistaken identities to critique the superficiality and pretentiousness of upper-class society.

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3
Q

In which city was Oscar Wilde born?

A

Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin, Ireland, on October 16, 1854. He spent his formative years in Dublin before moving to England to attend Oxford University, where he gained recognition for his intellect, wit, and flamboyant personality.

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4
Q

What crime led to Wilde’s imprisonment and subsequent downfall?

A

Oscar Wilde’s downfall came as a result of his intimate relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas, son of the Marquess of Queensberry. Wilde was prosecuted and convicted of “gross indecency” in 1895 for engaging in homosexual acts, which were illegal at the time in Britain. His subsequent imprisonment, public trial, and exile marked the tragic end of his career and life.

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5
Q

What is the title of Wilde’s only published novel?

A

Oscar Wilde’s only published novel is “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” The novel caused considerable controversy upon its release due to its exploration of themes such as aestheticism, hedonism, and the consequences of moral decadence.

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